Medical Remedies For Constipation
If the DIY home remedies are not working as fast as youd desire and youre still suffering from constipation, talk to your doctor for medical assistance.
Mention your history of constipation and any other medical conditions you may have if your doctor was not aware of.
Do not take any over-the-counter medication while pregnant. Even if a particular medication worked for you previously, get clearance from your doctor before taking any drugs.
There are some natural medical remedies for constipation that your doctor may recommend.
What Can I Do To Prevent This
Eat a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as fresh or dried fruits and vegetables plus high-fiber cereal. If you suddenly eat a lot more fiber, you may get bloating, diarrhea, and gas pressure. If this happens, try increasing the amount slowly over a week or more.
Also, drinking enough water and getting regular exercise can all help to prevent constipation.
Lemon Or Peppermint Essential Oil
Aromatherapy massage using peppermint or lemon essential oil may help soften fecal impaction and treat constipation .
You Will Need
- 1-2 drops of lemon/peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
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Herbal Remedies To Treat Constipation
Herbal remedies such as mallow or dandelion tea will help you to get rid of constipation during pregnancy. Boil a glass of water, add mallow or dandelion leafs into it. Steep it for a while and then drink it to prevent constipation. Another herbal remedy that can ease your constipation during pregnancy is senna. Consume small doses of senna at short intervals during the initial months. However, avoid this during the third trimester. Moreover, consult your doctor before having it.
Safe Home Remedies For Gas During Pregnancy
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Got gas while pregnant? Youre not alone. Gas is a common symptom of pregnancy.
Youre likely paying special attention to what you eat and the medications you ingest right now, which often means that typical gas remedies should be shelved for the time being.
Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help ease any gas troubles youre having, and some are as easy as reaching for a tall glass of water.
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What Remedies Should Not Be Used For Constipation During Pregnancy
Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because they reduce nutrient absorption.
How To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy
What can I take for constipation while pregnant? This is a question most expecting moms ask their friends, family, and ob-gyns.
You will meet with many symptoms for the first time in your life when you are expecting your first one. One of them may or may not be constipation. Statistics reveal that 10 to 40 percent women have episodes of constipation during pregnancy.1
Infrequent defecation, hard or lumpy stools, less than three defecations per week or excessive straining to pass stools are all signs of pregnancy-related constipation.2
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What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormonal changes. Pregnancy is often accompanied by an increase in the progesterone hormone. This causes the relaxation of all the muscles in the body, including intestinal muscles. Relaxed intestinal muscles means slower digestion, and this may lead to constipation.
In addition to this, the pressure on the womb because of the growing fetus and the iron in prenatal vitamin supplements may also cause constipation during pregnancy. Iron supplements are believed to slow down digestion by sticking to the undigested substances in the body, thus triggering constipation.
Now that we are well aware of what triggers constipation during pregnancy, let us look at the common symptoms that accompany this condition.
Avoid Iron Supplements To Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
Women with anemia are prescribed iron supplements. These supplements can also be one of the causes of constipation during pregnancy. To avoid this ask your doctor for another brand of iron supplements. A liquid of form of iron supplement might be effective for you. The best way to treat anemia is to consume foods that are a rich source of iron, such aS GLVs, pulses, red meat and etc. To treat constipation and other problems during pregnancy, its better to ask a dietician to make a diet chart for you.
Other Useful Tips to Treat Constipation During Pregnancy:
- Drink plenty of water at least 1.5 liters a day.
- Consume fresh fruits.
- Consume dry fruits such as apricots and prunes.
- Eat whole grain cereals, wholemeal bread, pulses and legumes to keep constipation at bay.
- Eat a small amount of food in regular intervals.
- Avoid bran and caffeinated foods.
- Go for a long walk regularly.
- TAGS
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What Are Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy
As constipation can cause discomfort during pregnancy, its best to treat or prevent it whenever possible. Some tips that may help to relieve constipation during pregnancy include:
Eating foods that are high in fibre, such as wholemeal breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses, such as beans and lentils. You should aim to consume about 30 grams of fibre per day
Exercising on a regular basis. Walking, swimming or other exercise can help to stimulate your bowels
Drinking plenty of water try to drink six to eight glasses of fluids each day
If youre taking iron and calcium supplements, these can make you even more constipated. You can discuss stopping taking these or changing to a different formulation with your doctor
Medicines. If lifestyle changes do not help, you may want to consider taking a medicine. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to advise you which medicines are suitable for you during pregnancy. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist before using any medicines during pregnancy
Spinach To Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
Whatever the condition is green leafy vegetables always come to rescue. GLVs are loaded with essential nutrients which a pregnant woman needs. Moreover, the veggie helps in cleansing the body, keeping your digestive tract on a check. You can consume the spinach juice for better results. Alternatively, stuff spinach in your bread or chapatti to get additional nutrients during pregnancy.
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Are Girl And Boy Pregnancy Different
Three weeks into pregnancy, women carrying girls exhibited hormone levels 18.5 percent higher than those of their boy-carrying counterparts, regardless of factors such as previous pregnancies or maternal age. Finding this gender-related difference so early in pregnancy may help explain how it occurs.
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Is It Safe To Take Laxatives During Pregnancy
Yes, it safe to take only some forms of laxatives during pregnancy. Options include milk of magnesia and Metamucil. Stronger laxatives are prescribed when these do not work, but they come with risks and shouldnt be used without your doctors consent .
You will be able to protect yourself from constipation by doing regular exercises and consuming plenty of water. To treat the issue effectively, you should seek advice from your doctor before using these remedies.
Have you tried any of these remedies for pregnancy constipation? Did they help? Share your experiences in the below comment section.
References:
Am I More Likely To Experience Constipation If I Had It Before Pregnancy
Women who have had constipation before pregnancy are, unfortunately, likely to experience worsening of symptoms during pregnancy.
If you have constipation and are planning a pregnancy, try to get into good habits before you become pregnant. Keeping to a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and doing regular exercise may help you maintain regular bowel motions.
It is better to prevent constipation early on rather than wait to treat it later.
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Herbal Supplements Like Glucomannan
I personally had not heard about glucomannan until I was researching natural ways to relieve constipation while pregnant. Glucomannan is a dietary fiber made from the root of the konjac plant.
This study investigated the effects of glucomannan on constipation in pregnancy. The women in the study reported softer stools and increased frequently of bowel movements.
There were no complications reported in the study from the use of glucomannan.
IMPORTANT: I decided to include this on this list of natural ways to relieve constipation while pregnant because of the positive effects noted in the study. However, there is not enough information yet about the safety of taking glucomannan if you are pregnant. If you chose to try something like this to treat your constipation, talk with your doctor first!
Three Cheers For Chamomile Sipping
Chamomile tea is a great way to relax your intestinal tract and your overall self can well have been used for centuries. It soothes frazzled nerves, helps with -another woe for pregnant women and it also has a generally calming effect. Drink no more than two cups a day though since there are untested rumors that it can cause in higher doses.
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Cut Off Refined Sugars
Sweet tooth during pregnancy is common. But you need to control the urge to consume refined sugars. Carbonated beverages and sweetened fruit juices also contain high levels of fructose corn syrup, which contributes to bloating. Choose fresh fruit juices of apricots, bananas, and peaches to satisfy your craving for candies and soda drinks. Avoid chewing gum and slimming foods as they contain sorbitol, which can cause gas and bloating during pregnancy .
Side Effects Of Constipation During Pregnancy
Given below are the side effects that may occur when you are pregnant and constipated . In some cases, these may even call for a medical emergency.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Repetitive rectal bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
The complications that surface with constipation during pregnancy may be very irritating and painful in the long run. If you are among those who have developed constipation during pregnancy, start using the remedies described here after consulting your doctor to obtain relief.
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What Are The Signs Of Constipation
If youre here, there may very well be no doubt in your mind that you are constipated. But hey, who knows? Perhaps you just suspect youd benefit from a good B.M. So, first things first, lets take a look at some tell-tail, er, telltale signs of constipation. Per the Mayo Clinic, these include:
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Straining to have bowel movements
- Feeling as though you cant completely empty your bowels
- Having fewer than three bowel movements per week
How About Bulk Forming Agents
If for some reason you are unable to modify your diet or increase activity levels to experience pregnancy constipation relief, meal supplementation with four to six tablespoons of bran is sure to help. You can also try another bulk forming agent such as psyllium, methylcellulose or polycarbophil. All you need to do is consume these with 1 to 2 glasses of water. It works to relieve constipation by increasing fecal water content and stool weight and decreasing colonic transit time.6
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What Can I Do To Help Prevent Constipation
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that help prevent constipation:
Yoga And Relaxation Techniques
Practice yoga or breathing and relaxation techniques with the help of an expert during pregnancy. If you have hyperventilation syndrome, which is being too anxious or excited, then you may breathe in more air.
Some useful yoga poses which may help to ease painful bloating and gas are:
- Extended side angle pose
- Cat and cows poses
- Childs pose
Note: Not all poses are suitable for pregnant women. You should always check with your health practitioner or yoga instructor before trying these exercises.
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What Medications Should I Avoid
Always be sure to avoid polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate while expecting, as these could possibly harm your baby.
Castor oil must also be avoided, as it can cause irregular and painful contractions, which can be stressful on mom and baby, and possibly even lead to labor. It may also cause your baby to pass meconium before delivery, which often leads to complications after birth .
Play It Safe
Constipation Due To Diet
Its important to understand that refined flour products such as pasta, bread, cakes and pastries, or refined white rice, have lost most or all of their fibre. Just like when you remove the skin from an apple, it takes away much of the goodness and you feel less full.
Refined flour products dont move through the digestive tract very easily. Refined foods cause constipation by absorbing any liquid that you drink, and creating a plaster-like substance which makes your bowels become stretched. It can exacerbate the issues when you have hormonal changes on top of that.
Avoiding grains can significantly help with digestion, inflammation, blood sugar levels and weight gain. After all, livestock are fed grains to fatten them up!
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What Is Slow Transit Constipation
Why is that important to know? Because health conditions such as diabetes and certain thyroid disorder can cause slow transit constipation. So, if you really cant seem to get things moving, its best to go ahead and schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or seek a referral to a GI doctor.
Side Effects Of Treatments For Pregnancy Constipation
Because all medications have side effects, you should try increasing fiber, water, and exercise before taking laxatives. If you do need laxatives, talk to your doctor about the best one for your condition. Once you start laxatives, it may take several months to wean off of them. You should only use osmotic and stimulant laxatives short-term.
Talk to your doctor about seeing a gastroenterologist if you have:
- Bowel habit changes that have lasted longer than six weeks
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Final Thoughts On Natural Ways To Relieve Constipation While Pregnant
Constipation during pregnancy can be an uncomfortable experience. There are many safe and natural ways to treat this common pregnancy side effect. If you are experiencing constipation or any other issues during your pregnancy, always talk to your doctor about the right treatment methods for you.
Have you experienced constipation during pregnancy? What other methods helped relieve your constipation symptoms? Let me know in the comments!
What Is Postpartum Constipation
Constipation is common after giving birth. Characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements, many people experience constipation during pregnancy, and it can continue after delivery, or it may occur for the first time after delivery. Generally, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week and/or less often than your normal bathroom habits. This condition may persist for a week or longer until your bodys elimination system gets back on track.
People who did not have an issue with constipation during their pregnancy might be surprised to develop it after. On the other hand, for someone who has had bowel woes in the past or dealt with them while they were pregnant, constipation may continue or worsen right after giving birth.
Whether the experience is new to you or not, constipation is uncomfortableespecially when your body is still trying to heal from labor and delivery. Postpartum constipation can happen for several reasons. Understanding them can help you find the best treatment and get relief.
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